1skeleton

Full Definition of SKELETON

1

: a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism; especially: the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

2

: something reduced to its minimum form or essential parts

3

: an emaciated person or animal

4

a: something forming a structural framework

b: the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule

5

: something shameful and kept secret (as in a family) —often used in the phrase skeleton in the closet

6

: a small sled that is ridden in a prone position and used especially in competition; also: the competition itself

skeleton

nounskel·e·ton \ˈskel-ət-ən\

Medical Definition of SKELETON

1

: a usually rigid supportive or protective structure or framework of an organism; especially: the bony or more or less cartilaginous framework supporting the soft tissues and protecting the internal organs of a vertebrate

2

: the straight or branched chain or ring of atoms that forms the basic structure of an organic molecule